Zink Named Defenseman of the Year

DENVER–Lee Zink has been named the MLL Defenseman of the Year for the second consecutive season based on votes from the MLL’s coaches and general managers, the league announced on Wednesday.

Zink’s award was a unanimous selection, as the ninth-year pro received all 16 first-place votes.

“It’s such an honor to be named Defensive Player of the Year. This has been a really special season with a great team. I think everything has really come together to lead to the success we’ve had on the field so far. I’m really excited for this weekend to try to win a championship.

“It’s pretty unbelievable. A special thanks to all the coaches and GMs. It’s a great honor.”

Zink earned his first Defenseman of the Year Award of his career in 2012 and followed that season with another lockdown campaign. This year opponents’ top attackmen average just .7 goals per game in one-on-one matchups against Zink.

Zink is the first player to win consecutive Defenseman of the Year awards since Brodie Merrill earned the honor six straight seasons (2006-11).

“Lee is a mature, agile, lockdown defender who has such a calming influence on the field,” MLL Goalie of the Year Jesse Schwartzman said. “It is such a pleasure to play behind Lee and watch him go to work.”